Equipment

Beginners - First few lessons

• Loosely fitting clothing
• Bring boxing gloves if you have them. (the SMA have boxing gloves available for loan for your first few sessions)
• Training shoes may be worn but they should be light and 'slipper' like with a rubber sole. No hard soled shoes may be worn. It is preferred that students are either barefoot or wear specialist martial arts shoes.
• Students will be required to remove jewellery. Particularly rings- wearing rings can lead to serious injury.

Requirements prior to first grading

In order to grade you must join the SMA and purchase a licence. The Beginners Kickboxing package is described in Prices.

Once a student has passed their first grade they will be required to wear their suit and belt at all training sessions.

Insurance (Licence)

The insurance that you take out through the SMA will cover you for incidents and accidents that may occur during your training. This is often referred to as being 'licensed'. This insurance will be taken out with WAKO. For details of the cover of this insurance please contact WAKO.

Required Equipment for Contact Sparring

After a student has passed their blue belt grade they will be eligible to contact spar if they wish. Exact details of the protective equipment for sparring will be outlined on your license.

N.B. YOU MUST WEAR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DURING SPARRING OR YOUR INSURANCE WILL BE INVALIDATED.

Summary of equipment for contact sparring at tournaments

• Gum Shield
• Head Guard
• Boxing gloves (10oz or greater)
• Hand wraps - cloth
• Breast guard/chest shield (female only)
• Groin guard (male and female)
• Shin guards
• Foot protection (sparring boots)

No instructor will permit you to spar without the minimum of a gum shield, 10oz gloves, sparring boots and a head guard. However you are strongly advised to wear all the protective gear as described above.